Currently we offer first- and second-year Chinese courses within a cultural contest, but students can enrich their knowledge of Chinese history, literature and politics through a variety of interdisciplinary courses from the history, political science and English programs.

Alma has traditionally offered Spring Term courses that allow students to travel to China and Taiwan to obtain first-hand experience with the language, culture and people.

Jacob Lee ’15, Taylor Lutz ’18 and Simerra Jones ’18 created this Chinese commercial for “Mr. Horse’s Hat Shop” in their second semester of Chinese in CHN 112.

Kyle Barlas ’15 and Jacob Lee ’15 created this comical video for the introductory Chinese course CHN 111. This video features two friends who meet for the first time, but things don’t go as planned.

Co-curricular Activities

Chinese Table

The Chinese Table—an opportunity for students to gather and share a meal and lively conversation in Chinese led by the Chinese Language Assistant—occurs each week in Hamilton Commons, the primary dining commons on campus, on Tuesdays from 5:30p.m to 7:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 11:00 to 12:30 p.m.

Film Series

The Modern Languages program sponsors a foreign film series on Monday evenings, screening films in French, German, Spanish and Chinese and providing free popcorn to boot!

Chinese Club

The Chinese Club is a student group that brings cultural events and activities to Alma College and the surrounding community. Each year, the group celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival with moon cakes and the Chinese New Year with presentations, music, dance and, of course, food! Join us Mondays from 6- 7 p.m. in SAC 109.

Employment, Internships & Study Abroad

Department Employment

Students who excel in their Chinese studies may apply for positions as tutors and/or student teaching assistants. Tutors are matched with peers who request assistance from the Center for Student Opportunity. Student teaching assistants lead laboratory sessions for 100- and 200-level courses.

Internships

A variety of internships are available, including placements in American companies in Beijing for students studying abroad.

Study Abroad

Students are encouraged to study abroad during a fall or winter term or the summer in Beijing. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the Off-Campus Study office in the Center for Student Opportunity.